Ameliorative effect of low molecular weight peptides from the head of red shrimp (Solenocera crassicornis) against cyclophosphamide-induced hepatotoxicity in mice
Shuoqi Jiang, Zhuangwei Zhang, Fangmiao Yu, Zhoufeng Zhang, Zuisu Yang, Yunping Tang, Guofang Ding
Abstract
Our study was aimed at investigating the protective effect of low molecular weight peptides (SCHPs-F1) from red shrimp (Solenocera crassicornis) head against cyclophosphamide-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. We found that SCHPs-F1 treatment dose-dependently normalized the biochemical markers, hepatic index, and total CYP450 enzyme content in CTX-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. SCHPs-F1 also ameliorated the CTX-mediated structural disorders of the hepatic tissue. Western blot results suggested that SCHPs-F1 significantly restored the levels of endogenous antioxidants (CAT, T-AOC, GSH-Px, SOD and MDA levels) through activating the Nrf2 signal by upregulating the expression of GCLM, HO-1, and NQO-1. Moreover, SCHPs-F1 improved the CTX-induced hepatotoxicity by inhibiting of NF-κB signal responses and down-regulating the expression of the inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ and TNF-α). These findings suggest that SCHPs-F1 can regulate Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways and reduce the oxidative stress and inflammation in CTX-induced hepatotoxicity. Overall, SCHPs-F1 are value-added food ingredients for alleviating CTX-induced hepatotoxicity.